Shaman

Robert Jeremy Cole, the legendary doctor and hero of "The Physician," left an enduring legacy. From the 11th century on, the eldest son in each generation of the Cole family has borne the same first name and middle initial and many of these men have followed the medical profession. A few have been blessed with their ancestor's diagnostic skill and the "sixth sense" they call The Gift, the ability to know instinctively when death is impending. The tragedy of Rob J.'s life is the deafness of his son, Robert Jefferson Cole, who is called Shaman by everyone who knows him. Shaman's life is difficult. First, he must learn to speak so that he can take his place in the hearing world, and then he must fight against the prejudices of a society where physical differences matter. As Shaman struggles to achieve his identity, the Coles, along with the rest of America, are drawn into the conflict between the North and the South.

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I've become a fan of Gordon, as his writing is well formed, has a nice flow, good descriptions & his research is very through. I appreciated his knowledge of the immigration trail many traveled westward & the endless, weary work pioneers faced, especially the prejudice prevalent towards any person not a WASP. The details of CW battlefields & prisons exceeded much of Ken Burns excellent series & blended so well into the story. Interesting that the military minds studied encampments & strategies of Roman times, yet failed to pay attention or detail to the use of latrines. His descriptions of the land helped me visualize the area of my ancestors, based on family records. It did seem a bit long in telling, but I'll complete the trilogy.